Indeed, its very safe to say that there has never been a Western quite likeThe Revenant.
But that is also its beauty.
As the man who must withstand them, DiCaprio is convincingly desperate.
He carries the entire film in nigh silence, achieving depth in his stoicism.
However, there have been other performances he was far more deserving of winning for in the past.
The true standout among the cast is Tom Hardy.
The rest of the cast is also unsurprisingly strong.
But this is a film more about an experience than an ensemble or their emotions.
And it is on those terms thatThe Revenantshould be viewed.
Its appeal for awards voters will be inescapable, yet its commercial viability will be a curiosity to witness.
Nevertheless, for those brave enough to tread lightly into this cinematic snowstorm, the ordeal is unforgettable.
This review was first published on Dec. 4, 2015.
Rating:
4.5 out of 5
